I have offers from two CS PhD programs: Program A: Top 10, great advisor match, but stipend is $34k in a HCOL city (basically poverty after rent). Program B: Top 20, decent advisor match, stipend is $42k in a MCOL city with much better quality of life. Everyone says "go to the better program" but 5 6 years of financial stress is no joke. I've seen posts from PhD students at top programs who can barely afford groceries. How much did cost of living factor into your decision? Did anyone turn down a higher ranked program for financial reasons and not regret it?